Türkiye Tourism, in collaboration with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), recently concluded an enriching seven-day familiarisation trip across Türkiye.
The tour commenced on June 30 and concluded on July 6, 2024, bringing together 40 travel agents, OTOAI representatives, and six members of the travel media to explore Türkiye’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and luxurious hospitality. Delegates visited Antalya, Side, Izmir, Alacati, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Istanbul, and other attractions.
The group flew in two batches, one from Mumbai and the other from New Delhi, onboard Turkish Airlines, uniting in Istanbul before proceeding to Antalya. There, the group was hosted at some of the most luxurious and premier hotels, including Ali Bey Resort in Antalya, Swissotel-Izmir, Swissotel-The Bosphorus in Istanbul, and the Boutique Lycus River Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale. These hotels provided a royal welcome and ensured a comfortable stay for the group.
The group explored Greco-Roman ruins and historically important ancient cities like Side, Ephesus, and Hierapolis, marvelling at the monolithic remains and grandeur of these once-important cities in their era.
The snow-white calcium carbonate-clad, Terraced Travertines at Pamukkale were a sight to behold and a great place to soak your feet in the mineral-rich Thermal spring waters.
Hotel site inspections were organised at Bijal Resort, Mardan Palace, Land of Legends, Gloria Serenity, The Peninsula Istanbul, and Hagia Sophia Mansions Istanbul. Each hotel’s management pulled out all the plugs to showcase their grand properties and make the group feel welcome.
A speed networking business session took place on July 5 at the Swissotel-The Bosphorus. Alican Demir, Director of Country Marketing at Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, delivered a detailed product presentation focusing on the India-Türkiye travel opportunity. Almost 50 hoteliers and 20 DMCs from across Türkiye interacted with OTOAI delegates during this session.
Special Indian dinners were hosted for the delegates at ‘Madhu’s,’ an in-house fine dining Indian restaurant at Swissotel-The Bosphorus, and onboard a specially chartered yacht cruise on the Bosphorus river, with a menu curated by ‘Dubb Indian Restaurant,’ Istanbul.
The Istanbul sightseeing tour included visits to historic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, leaving everyone spellbound. The shopping experience at Istanbul’s centuries-old Grand Bazaar was both enlightening and enjoyable, serving as a fitting end to the Türkiye tour.
This Türkiye experience for industry stakeholders from across India will not only enhance understanding and knowledge among trade partners but also significantly promote Türkiye as a destination for Indian outbound travellers.
